Nearly all garment factories under the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have resumed operations following the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. According to a BGMEA statement issued on Saturday, 2,012 out of 2,024 factories – or 99.40 percent – have reopened as of Wednesday. The highest concentration of garment factories is in the Gazipur and Mymensingh regions, where 851 out of 854 units are currently in operation. In Savar, Ashulia and Jirani areas, 399 of 403 factories have resumed production. Besides, 186 factories are operational in Narayanganj, 320 in Demra, and 336 in Chattogram. Business leaders seek strategic negotiations to address tariff challenges BGMEA data also reveals that 2,019 factories have already disbursed salaries for February, with only five factories – four in Dhaka and one in Chattogram – yet to do so. As of now, 2,008 factories have paid salaries for March, either partially or in full. However, 16 factories are still pending full salary payments for the month, and 16 others have only paid partial salaries.

The government is actively working to implement the rightful demands of workers including the garment workers as the government is sincere about their demands, according to a statement of the Home Affairs Ministry.“The government is highly sincere and agreed to the rightful demands of due wages and benefits of workers including garment workers and other industrial sectors, and it is actively working to implement these demands and is making all-out efforts in this regard. Instructions have been given to factory owners and the BGMEA. Their activities are being monitored," it said.However, creating unrest in the garment industry under the pretext of unfair or unreasonable demands, blocking roads to halt vehicular movement and engaging in anarchy and violence are not acceptable under any circumstances and will not be tolerate, it said. Home adviser pays tributes at Razarbagh Police Memorial The government will take strict action against such activities, it added. To maintain stable and secure environment in garment and other industrial sectors and maintain law and order in the country the government seeks the cooperation of both factory owners and workers, the statement reads.

The Ministry of Commerce has extended the tenure of Md Anwar Hossain, the administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), for another four months. He will remain in charge until June 16. The Trade Organization Division of the Commerce Ministry issued an official order extending his term. Md Anwar Hossain, the Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), was initially appointed as administrator on October 20 for four months following a mass uprising. The Commerce Ministry’s letter regarding the extension stated that although an election schedule was announced, the administrator sought an extension, citing the inability to initiate and complete the electoral process within the stipulated time due to various reasons. The extension comes with two conditions: The election to the BGMEA Board of Directors must be conducted as per the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association. The election must be completed at least 15 days before the end of the extended term, ensuring a smooth handover to the elected board. Tensions Between Rival Factions BGMEA has two main election-centric alliances -- Sammilito Parishad and Forum. Following the political shift on August 5, Forum leaders demanded the resignation of the BGMEA president and board members. US delegation with focus on workers' rights visits BGMEA On August 7, Forum submitted a memorandum to the acting president, expressing no confidence in the board. That same day, clashes broke out between Forum leaders and Sammilito Parishad supporters. Later, on August 19, Forum sent a letter to the Director General of the Trade Organization Division, alleging irregularities in the March 2023 elections and demanding the dissolution of the board. After two and a half months, the ministry acted, dissolving the board and appointing an administrator on October 20. Sammilito Parishad’s Dominance and Leadership Crisis Sammilito Parishad has dominated BGMEA leadership, winning all but one election in the last 15 years. Its notable leaders include former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, former Dhaka North City Mayor Atiqul Islam, ex-MPs Abdus Salam Murshedi and Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, and Awami League’s Industry and Commerce Secretary Siddiqur Rahman. In the March 2023 elections, Sammilito Parishad secured all positions, with Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League General Secretary SM Mannan elected as president. Since Sheikh Hasina’s fall on August 5, Mannan has not been seen in public. A murder case has also been filed against him.

A high-level delegation from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) visited the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday. The visit aimed at discussing workers’ rights issues and exploring ways to enhance the partnership between the US and Bangladesh in the readymade garment (RMG) sector. The BGMEA delegation, led by Administrator Anwar Hossain, engaged in discussions with the AAFA and FLA representatives. Members of the BGMEA Support Committee — Miran Ali, Asif Ashraf, Rezwan Selim, ANM Saifuddin, Shehabudduza Chowdhury and Shams Mahmud accompanied the administrator. The meeting highlighted opportunities of cooperation in fostering a more sustainable and ethical RMG industry in Bangladesh while strengthening trade relations with the United States. They discussed elaborately the issues of workers' rights, workplace safety, labour law and reforms in Bangladesh. Read: Bangladesh Bank extends import bill payment period to 360 days Several key areas, including increasing trade access for Bangladeshi apparel in the US market, promoting responsible purchasing practices, and the industry’s impressive progress in sustainability initiatives got due importance in the meeting. The delegation also explored potential collaborations in workers’ training programmes and initiatives to further enhance workers’ welfare in the RMG sector. During the meeting, the BGMEA urged AAFA, which represents over 1,000 globally renowned brands, retailers, and manufacturers, and FLA to promote responsible purchasing practices that benefit both buyers and suppliers. BGMEA also requested AAFA’s support in advocating for Bangladesh’s trade interests in the US market, ensuring continued growth and mutual benefit. The delegation appreciated Bangladesh’s progress in workers’ rights and the government’s initiative of forming the labour reform commission and labour law reforms. Read more:Bangladesh's RMG exports reach $38.48 billion in 2024, with strong growth in non-traditional markets The delegation included Nate Herman, Senior Vice President - Policy, American Apparel & Footwear Association; Shelly Han, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Fair Labor Association; Ismail Murad, Manager - Corporate Social Responsibility | Bangladesh & Jordan, Columbia Sportswear Company; Kate Miller, Social Impact Manager, KMD Brands Limited; Tayob Muhammed, Head of Finance/HR, Bangladesh, Perry Ellis International; Stella Mondol, Social Compliance Officer, Bangladesh, Perry Ellis International; Viola Wan, Director of Social Sustainability, Puma; Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Manager of Social Sustainability, Bangladesh, Puma; Moyeen Chowdhury, Branch Manager - Apparel & Accessories, Bangladesh, Puma; Bushra Baten, Manager - Corporate Responsibility, Bangladesh & Pakistan, PVH; Jessica Nursoo, Regional Director - South Asia and Indonesia, VF Corporation; Tiffany Rogers, Director - Innovation and Development, Manufacturing, Fair Labor Association; Chaimae Azmi, Fair Compensation and Member Engagement Manager, Fair Labor Association; and Hannah Larson, Social Compliance Associate, Fair Labor Association.

Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Anwar Hossain has emphasised the need for fair pricing to make the industry more sustainable, mentioning that worker welfare is directly impacted by pricing policies. Speaking to a delegation from the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) at the BGMEA complex on Monday, he pointed out that buyers’ offered prices do not reflect this reality as production costs have gone up for various international and domestic factors. ILO-BGMEA discuss workers’ rights, labour law reforms Anwar Hossain said Bangladesh has already gained recognition as a safe and ethical sourcing destination globally and urged the WRC leaders to press brands and buyers to pay fair prices. The delegation included Thulsi Narayanasamy, Director of International Advocacy at WRC; Manodeep Guha, Regional Director for South Asia; and Shaikat Mollik, WRC representative in Bangladesh. Sri Lankan envoy discusses trade opportunities with BGMEA During the meeting, the BGMEA Administrator briefed the WRC delegation on the current state of Bangladesh’s garment industry, including its challenges and opportunities. He highlighted the transformative progress made by the industry in recent years in ensuring workplace safety, improving labor standards, and promoting environmental sustainability.

André Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, met with Anwar Hossain, Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. Members of the BGMEA Support Committee also attended the meeting held on Thursday. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to support Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector, particularly in advancing environmental sustainability through circular fashion, recycling, and energy efficiency. Anwar Hossain highlighted the significant strides made by the industry in ensuring workplace safety, maintaining social and environmental compliance, and promoting sustainable manufacturing. Outgoing Japanese Ambassador highlights strengthened ties in farewell meeting with President He briefed the Dutch envoy on BGMEA’s Sustainable Strategic Vision-2030, which aims to balance social and environmental responsibilities with economic viability. The vision includes fostering innovation, diversifying products and markets, and enhancing productivity. Anwar Hossain expressed gratitude to the government of the Netherlands for its unwavering support to the industry. He acknowledged their support for establishing the Textile Technology Business Center (TTBC) at the BGMEA Complex. He urged for continued support in areas such as knowledge sharing, technological advancements, and financial resources to further improve resource efficiency, energy usage, and recycling capabilities within the garment industry. The BGMEA Administrator sought the Netherlands’ cooperation in enhancing the knowledge and skills of Bangladeshi students in textiles, fashion, design, and business through partnerships with renowned Dutch universities and institutes. Prof Yunus urges focus on attitudes, ethics in skilling young workforce Ambassador Carstens praised the remarkable progress made by Bangladesh’s RMG sector and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s overall development, including the sustainable growth of its garment industry. He said that the Netherlands government has been a partner in the development of Bangladesh for more than 50 years. The Netherlands government will continue to work for the overall development of Bangladesh, including the garment industry, the ambassador added.

Bangladesh's garment industry suffered an estimated production loss of around $400 million due to the recent workers’ unrest in September and October in Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur. Besides, some work orders were diverted to competing countries due to concerns over the law and order situation, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Khandokar Rafiqul Islam at a press conference at the BGMEA complex on Saturday. "We have fallen somewhat behind. In August, imports of US apparel increased by 1.5%. However, imports from Bangladesh decreased by 3.8%. Imports from China rose by 3.6%, Vietnam by 5.2%, India by 7.6%, and Cambodia by 7.7%,” he said. From January to July in Europe, imports increased by 3.3%, while those from Bangladesh grew by only 2.8%. In contrast, imports from India rose by 5.18%, Cambodia by 18.35%, and Vietnam by 12.61%. BGMEA seeks Tk 54cr soft loan for 39 struggling garment factories This data indicates that Bangladesh is significantly lagging in export growth compared to other countries, he said. However, the garment industry has successfully achieved stability after passing the challenging period, said Rafiqul Islam. He said collaboration among the government, owners, workers, the Bangladesh Army, and law enforcement agencies enabled the BGMEA board to tackle the adverse situation effectively. Rafiqul Islam said Bangladesh's garment sector is regaining buyers’ trust. A joint task force, led by the army, was established to ensure the security of garment factories, regularly patrolling garment-dense areas, he said adding that the BGMEA, with military support, initiated community policing. Uncertainties were created regarding the payment of August salaries for garment factories. In response, BGMEA reached out Finance Adviser and met the governor of the central bank. Following BGMEA's request, Bangladesh Bank has directed banks to facilitate the payment of salaries for August, said BGMEA leaders. In response to a journalist's query, the BGMEA president said many factories are still facing risks, although he could not provide a specific number. Bangladesh now boasts 229 eco-friendly garment factories: BGMEA The BGMEA president mentioned that 39 garment factories affected by labour unrest in Ashulia were unable to pay salaries for September. BGMEA requested the Ministry of Finance to arrange for interest-free loans on easy terms to ensure salary payments for these factories. Furthermore, a programme was launched to sell essential commodities at fair prices to 40 lakh workers in the garment industry. On October 16, Labour and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud inaugurated this initiative. The press conference also revealed that in response to BGMEA's request, the requirement for Fire Resistance Rating for steel structures in garment factories has been relaxed.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested a Tk 54 crore soft loan from Bangladesh Bank to support 39 garment factories that are facing financial difficulties. These factories, which were previously operating smoothly, are now struggling to maintain full production due to disruptions caused by recent labor unrest. Bangladesh now boasts 229 eco-friendly garment factories: BGMEA BGMEA outlined these concerns in a letter to the Finance Adviser on October 6, urging the central bank to inspect the situation and facilitate the necessary loan. BGMEA has appealed to the interim government to help secure Tk 54 crore to ensure the timely payment of wages to around 56,000 workers employed at these 39 factories. The organization emphasized the urgent need for financial assistance to prevent further disruption in the industry and protect the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

In the first five months of 2024, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable fashion, with 12 factories earning LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building rating system that emphasizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. This recent accomplishment brings Bangladesh's total to 218 LEED-certified green factories, underscoring the country's commitment to green initiatives within the garment sector, according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel. RMG Sustainability Council holds meeting to discuss issues affecting industry Of the 218 certified factories, 84 have achieved the highest, platinum rating, 120 have earned gold, 10 silver, and 4 are certified, as reported by the BGMEA. In the first five months of 2024, eight of the newly certified factories received the platinum rating, while the remaining four were awarded gold. Notable performers include S.M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 with 104 points. Other high scorers include Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Remi Holdings Ltd with 97 points, and Fatullah Apparels, also scoring 97 points. Bangladesh’s achievement positions the country as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 56 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located here, according to BGMEA. This includes 9 of the top 10 and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, based on BGMEA data. RMG exports up by almost 5pc in FY 2023-24 The geographic distribution of these certifications within Bangladesh illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability. By proactively achieving LEED ratings, Bangladesh's garments industry is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship, positioning the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices.

The candidates of Sammilito Parishad for the upcoming BGMEA elections were formally introduced at the first panel introduction meeting held on Thursday at Hotel Radisson Blu in Dhaka. The election to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for the 2024-2026 term will be held on March 9 this year. Sammilito Parishad is participating in the BGMEA election with the slogan ‘Sammilito Parishad for Building Sustainable Garment Industry.’ Owners of garment industries from Dhaka and Chattogram regions were present at the event. 13 exhibitors from Bangladesh participate in Texworld Apparel Sourcing in France The panel introduction programme was presided over by Tipu Munshi MP, former Commerce Minister, and President of Sammilito Parishad. At the event, Md. Atiqul Islam, General Secretary of Sammilito Parishad, and Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), introduced the panel members of Sammilito Parishad, including the Panel Leader and Senior Vice President of BGMEA, S. M. Mannan Kochi, who is also the Chairman of Seha Design (BD) Ltd. Tipu Munshi MP, former Commerce Minister, and President of Sammilito Parishad, along with Md. Atiqul Islam, General Secretary of Sammilito Parishad and Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Md. Siddiqur Rahman, former President of BGMEA, Chief Election Coordinator of Sammilito Parishad for the BGMEA Election 2024-2026, and Industries and Trade Affairs Secretary of the Awami League, and former Presidents of BGMEA Abdus Salam Murshedy MP, and S.M. Fazlul Hoque along with other industry leaders, spoke at the panel introduction program. Indonesian Ambassador and BGMEA President discuss bilateral trade opportunities In their speeches, the leaders highlighted the glorious history, contributions, achievements, and future prospects of the Sammilito Parishad. They mentioned the significant contributions of S. M. Mannan (Kochi) to the development of the ready-made garment industry while mentioning his leadership qualities. The leaders also highlighted the important roles played by other candidates of the Sammilito Parishad panel in the development of the RMG industry. They also mentioned that crucial government policy decisions for the RMG industry’s development were made during the tenures of BGMEA Boards led by Sammilito Parishad. During these tenures, the Presidents along with former Presidents successfully dealt with the challenges of the industry through engagement with the highest level of the government. Alongside,they expressed firm belief that Sammilito Parishad, if elected, would continue the legacy of success. Innovation policy unveiled to overcome global challenges for textile and apparel industry S. M. Mannan (Kochi) said, "We have formed a panel comprising experienced and young leaders with the aim of ensuring sustainable development of the garment industry. If we win the election, we will all work together.” At the event, the leaders urged the BGMEA members to vote to elect the full panel of the Sammilito Parishad in the upcoming BGMEA election.